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The internet has made it extraordinarily easy to shame and criticize others without having to face the tears in their eyes, and that shaming culture is spilling out onto our streets. Moms feel judged wherever we go, and it’s hurting our ability to connect with one another. Look with compassionate eyes on the mom who is making different choices than you. You don’t know her story. You haven’t seen her behind the scenes. And if she truly is making bad (hurtful) choices, attacking her won’t help. Only through connection can you reach anyone’s heart, and only then can you help.

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Let’s begin to rebuild the villages in 2017. Let’s open our arms wide in acceptance and be there for one another. Let us speak kindly in both the virtual world and face to face. Let’s judge less and listen more. When we come together, villages will thrive, moms will thrive, and families and children will be better off for it. Peace and connection is the path forward to a better world, and as moms, we set the standard for our children and, in many ways, for the world because we are raising the future of this planet. Let’s show them all how to see past our differences and value the human. Let’s show them all how to love.

Rebecca Eanes is the bestselling author of multiple books including Positive Parenting: An Essential Guide, The Positive Parenting Workbook, and The Gift of a Happy Mother. She is the grateful mom of two boys.